Our AFC South Indianapolis Colts Preview 2019 notes that the retirement of Andrew Luck is huge. Originally, this Indianapolis Colts Preview 2019 saw the Colts as being the top team, but Luck’s retirement has really thrown a monkey wrench into the division. Head coach Frank Reich (11-7 Indianapolis & Overall, 1-1 Postseason) had this team running pretty nicely. Luck had made a solid return after missing the entire 2017 season. In 2018, he passed for 4593 yards and 39 TDs while tossing 15 picks. Luck completed 67.3% of his passes. But the former starter who played six years in the NFL is gone.
Indianapolis Colts Preview 2019 – Team
The Colts come into this season with a massive question mark that popped up about as late as it possibly could. It was August 25, less than two weeks before the start of the 2019 NFL season. Last season, with Luck at the helm, Indianapolis went to the playoffs for the first time since 2014 when they won the AFC South. Last season they got in on a wildcard. This year, they’ll need a different kind of luck to get to the playoffs.
Indianapolis – Offense
Last season, the Colts posted 278.8 YPG in the air (6th) and 107.4 YPG on the ground (20th). Their 386.2 total YPG ranked seventh. Indy averaged 27.1 PPG (5th). They were first in sacks allowed (18) and third-down completions (49%).
Our Indianapolis Colts Preview 2019 projects QB Jacoby Brissett to be the starter. In 2017 with the Colts, Brissett played 16 games completing 58.8% of his passes for 3098 yards and 13 TDs. He put up seven picks. What that performance foretells for him and the Colts this season? Who knows? Brissett will be backed up by veteran Brian Hoyer. The Colts have a fine receiving unit that includes WR T.Y. Hilton (76 REC, 1270 YDs, 16.7 AVG, 6 TDs) and TE Eric Ebron (66 REC, 750 YDs, 11.4 AVG, 13 TDs). RB Marlon Mack (195 ATT, 908 YDs, 4.7 AVG, 9 TDs) posted four 100-yard games last season. The O-line is one of the better ones in the AFC.
Colts – Defense
The Indy D allowed 21.5 PPG (10th) and 339.4 YPG in total defensive yards (11th). Our Indianapolis Colts Preview 2019 notes that the rush defense ranked eighth (101.6 YPG) and passing D was 16th (237.8 YPG). They grabbed 15 INTs (T-9th), posted 38 sacks (T-19th), and recorded a +2 turnover differential (T-13th).
On the frontline and from the right side, end Jabaal Sheard (5.5 SCKs) and tackle Denico Autry (9 SCKs) hassled QBs. OLB Darius Leonard led the team in tackles with 163 and was second in sacks with seven. MLB Anthony Walker was good for 104 tackles. In the secondary, corner Kenny Moore posted three interceptions, while safety Clayton Geathers recorded 86 tackles.
Special Teams
Adam Vinatieri (44-47 XP, 23-27 FG), one of the most accurate kickers in the league, returns for his 24th season. He’s 46 years old. Rigoberto Sanchez handles punts and kickoffs. Sanchez has a strong leg and his improved in each of his two previous NFL seasons. Chester Rogers handles punt returns and Zach Pascal kicks once again. Neither is great, but both are adequate.
Indianapolis Colts Preview 2019 – Prediction
Obviously, the loss of Luck will have a huge effect on this team. Our Indianapolis Colts Preview 2019 envisions the team finishing third. The Colts have a solid offense and a good defense. But we have to wonder if Brissett can handle being the starter.
Our Ratings
- Quarterbacks – 7.1
- Running Backs – 7.0
- Receivers – 7.6
- Offensive Linemen – 8.4
- Defensive Linemen – 7.2
- Linebackers – 7.7
- Secondary – 6.3
- Special Teams – 8.3
- Coaching – 8.3
AFC South Indianapolis Colts Preview 2019 – Projection
Indianapolis Colts Third in AFC South
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